So what are people going to do for money?

[DoubleAction]

Already DS has seen his shifts cut because they've been so quiet. As this progresses, financial hardship is going to become very real for huge sections of the population. I understand people saying we need to put the nation's health first and protect lives but what do you expect will happen to help these people pay their bills?

SSP isn't going to cut it and in any case it's not about people needing time off ill, it's about jobs and businesses actually disappearing.

I admit I've been wondering if Those In Charge see here a great opportunity to rid themselves of lots of inconvenient poor and/or old people. Just do nothing and they'll die off!

I have some savings and I'm trying to figure out how much of them I can give or loan to my friends who are going to need help before this is over. It's not a fun calculation.

I wonder if a universal basic income could be the way forward, as a temporary emergency method. I know that doesn't solve anyone's worries but I can see the benefit to individuals, the economy and slowing the spread of the virus if people feel less pressure to be working and exposed.

If you are on benefits you are secure at least at this time. Spare a thought for self employed and zero hour employees.

UBI means giving money to us plebs. No problem baling out banks, but give anything to the people without extracting something from them in return?

@Ugzbugz You are obvs one of those posters who will bring up obesity on any thread

But since you did, it is linked to poverty Try some critical thinking once in a while.

When my husband and I started TTC we also started saving as SMP is very low in comparison to my salary and bonus. We saved enough for me to stay off work for an additional 6 months but it looks like we'll use that money to cover bills/food etc. DH is a self employed builder and is already having people cancel work. So it looks like I'll be returning to work in September (provided this all sorts itself out by then) instead of March 2021 which in the grand scheme of things is minor.

I wonder if some new jobs will emerge amid the chaos. I'm thinking supermarket delivery drivers for one. Some older people who are still working may retire - my DH for a start, he will need to start self-isolating soon as he is in his sixties and higher risk and he has been working part-time but can't just take 4 months off. I don't know what else, and things will be rocky for sure, but I think those who are willing to adapt to new jobs have some chance of getting other work.

New vacancies and needs will open up as an unfortunate consequence. More manufacturing of equipment, more drivers, more trucks, more sanitation, more funerals, more care workers to fill the breach when others go down. A bit like the war, people fill the gaps where needed and if someone's out of work and can pick up a priority job not usually in their sphere.

I'd collect the bins if needed, deliver meals if needed, work in a factory to keep production going if needed. I'm retired, under 60, but could do many things that are essential to everyday life, but don't require comprehensive/long term training if needed.

It's so uncertain if this will be a situation that spreads over a year, or will be explosively virulent, and taper off within a year. Looking to China and South Korea, but too soon to tell. Will their be secondary mutations. It's all guesswork.

I hope this overwhelms DWP with new applications so the government realises how messed up the gif economy is and that the current system is not working with companies taking advantage of individuals and giving them little to no security, labelling full time employees as contractors etc.

I feel for people living and working and paying taxes in this country who will not be able to access the benefit system. Anyone with pre settled EU status is unable to access benefits as are those on LLR as a spouse, parent to a British citizen or even just employees. They will be hit hard as well.

And fuck off with that "you should have 6 months worth of savings". Most people do not have money left over at the end of the month to save, some accrue debt every month just to pay basic living costs. It's a disgrace for a country this wealthy tbh.

I hope this overwhelms DWP with new applications so the government realises how messed up the gig economy is and that the current system is not working with companies taking advantage of individuals and giving them little to no security, labelling full time employees as contractors etc.

I feel for people living and working and paying taxes in this country who will not be able to access the benefit system. Anyone with pre settled EU status is unable to access benefits as are those on LLR as a spouse, parent to a British citizen or even just employees. They will be hit hard as well.

And fuck off with that "you should have 6 months worth of savings". Most people do not have money left over at the end of the month to save, some accrue debt every month just to pay basic living costs. It's a disgrace for a country this wealthy tbh.

I hope it doesn't overwhelm the DWP, though I suspect it will, the benefits system is already a nightmare for those that rely on it with many people waiting weeks for any money.

I agree with continuing to pay for services if you can even though unable to use them else once this is over they just wont exist anymore.
're foodbanks the one I volunteer at is making up 1000 food packs that can be delivered if we have to close. Please also think of still donating anything however small to foodbank. Those who use them are also trying to stock up.
Such a nightmare for so many
Good luck all

I sold my car and bought a banger to make sure i have a few months wages in the bank as it is likely my company will go under with all of this!

Some banks are putting measures such as payment holidays in place to support both customers and small businesses - worth checking your bank's website or calling them if you are worried. I would suggest contacting them sooner rather than later as bank call centres may be hit hard by CV in the coming weeks.

New vacancies and needs will open up as an unfortunate consequence. More manufacturing of equipment, more drivers, more trucks, more sanitation, more funerals, more care workers to fill the breach when others go down. A bit like the war, people fill the gaps where needed and if someone's out of work and can pick up a priority job not usually in their sphere.

Totally agree with this too, it may sound grim but it is a small silver lining. Similar to 9/11. we all know how horrific that was and countless lives were sadly lost... however that day alone created hundreds of thousands / maybe even millions of jobs in increased airport security!

Called Halifax earlier about a payment holiday from mortgage they are offering two months! So that will have to be an absolute last resort.

I'd been saving for some work on my house which just got rejected by the planning office so have a couple of years mortgage repayments in the bank if the company I work for goes under. For once I'm quite happy with the planning office!

We've got a cleaner but we're sick and self isolating so will pay her even though she can't come. We can't afford to extend that to our dog walkers too though.

This is the next crisis coming. Massive lay offs. That and food shortage. I started a new job two weeks ago. No savings. I am going to squirrel money like fuck for a few months.

People can work will need to start to prepare to shift over to supply chain roles as they become vacant. More police, security and reservists will be needed. More care workers. More transport, drivers, manufacturing of machines and medical, food production, warehousing.

Those who can work will be expected to fill the gaps. Those who can't will need to be supported at government and community levels.

More cleaning for hospitals, factories, public spaces.

We will sift our focus from a nation of consumers to producers, manufacturers and distributors. We will also need to grow and make a surplus to export in trade so we can import those things we cannot grow/produce ourselves.

Go farmers and fishermen.

Let's all Protect the elderly, vulnerable and let's not forget the animals who suffer if we dont include them.

Please be safe everyone.

I have managed to save a fair amount over the past few years. If the worst comes to the worst , I will use my credit card to tide me over